Cellar Conversion Christchurch Dorset (BH23): A basement conversion can change that cheerless, dark basement into an airy, warm and dry living space while also creating extra room in your Christchurch property. Having extra living space nearer to the more frequently used areas of the house can provide you with greater opportunities for creating a home gym, entertaining friends or creating a "granny annex" for elderly relatives.
According to the property specialists Savills, a converted basement can also add somewhere between 10-15% to the market price of your house. If you've already converted your loft space to accommodate your ever growing family, a cellar conversion allows you to create welcome extra living space. An investment such as this, while improving your everyday life, also strategically positions your home in the competitive Christchurch real estate market.
Should you be thinking about doing a basement conversion make certain you've asked yourself these important questions before beginning: 1. What use do you want to make of the extra space you're going to create with the basement conversion? 2. What degree of work is necessary to do a conversion on your cellar or basement? 3. What kind of costs are involved and what benefits can be attained from a cellar conversion? 4. How can you stay clear of "cowboy" builders and track down a top quality Christchurch contractor who'll be able to convert the cellar and provide guarantees for all work involved?
Why a Cellar Conversion in Christchurch?
If your property has already got a cellar, then there's no requirement to make an application for local authority planning permission if you are simply turning it into a living space, but if you have to dig out the floor to raise the ceiling height then you should check with your local council first. There are some different rules if your property is in a conservation area, shares a party wall with a neighbour or is listed, but in the majority of cases you're free to utilise the space as a living area with few limitations.
The chance to make full use of valuable living space in their property is the main reason that many people in Christchurch aspire to do a basement conversion. If like lots of other people in Christchurch you find that space is limited, this can be a major priority. A cellar conversion can also be done as a means by which to earn a bit of extra money by changing the area into a self contained apartment and putting it up for rent.
The final style of a cellar conversion and the uses it can be put to are based on what your imagination can come up with, and what your budget allows. You could make it into a pub for entertaining your pals by installing a bar, or perhaps you'd prefer a home cinema or a games room. Another popular favourite, and maybe more desirable given recent circumstances, is the creation of a home study or office where you'll be able to break free from the daily commute and benefit from an area in your house where you are less likely to be disturbed while working.
What is Involved?
Even if your basement conversion doesn't require any local authority planning permission, there are a number of approvals and certificates required from the Building Regulation department, to make it legal. These stringent Building Regulations, that have to be followed by your construction contractor, will make sure that your cellar conversion meets all the necessary construction guidelines in relation to ventilation, water supply, health and safety, ceiling height, electrical systems, damp proofing and fire escapes. Before beginning any work you selected Christchurch basement conversion company will take care of these regulations and rules and procure the required documents as part of the build process.
It doesn't matter if your basement does not seem to be damp nor has any indication of mould; you'll still need to have an appropriate waterproof membrane put in to offer a dry, water-resistant area that is suitable for conversion. Any water proofing and damp proofing technique that you decide to use should comply with the BS8102 recommendations which your Christchurch cellar conversion specialist is required to follow. To put your mind at ease, ask the building company if they offer an insurance supported warranty against damp proof membrane failure and any resulting water ingress.
The upgrading or installation of ventilation, heating, floor coverings, lights, electrical installations, insulation and water supply will also have to be talked over with your chosen conversion company. Increasing in popularity is under-floor heating which circulates heat evenly around the area and is extremely effective in settings like this. This space saving style of heating is hidden beneath your cellar flooring and calls for little maintenance once it is installed.
Electrical re-wiring must be done by an accredited electrician. Try to make use of sunken lighting to reduce the concern about height issues, and with a wide variety of low cost LED lights avaiable for purchase, your basement can feel bright and airy even if there is no natural light source.
Two crucial factors that your contractor will will want to discuss are ways to provide the necessary ventilation and insulation. Insufficient insulation leaves your basement conversion with possible cold spots which could increase the potential for dampness. Additionally a lack of ventilation can lead to problems, not just from stale air, but also by allowing a build up of humidity which also is a huge headache where dampness is involved.
Finding a Basement Conversion Company in Christchurch
As with all major construction projects, it is best to obtain more than one quotation to give you the chance to assess different company's prices. Not every builder is the same in regards to basement conversions and it is prudent to ask if you can see the relevant building and trade accreditations and memberships if you've got any doubts about their credentials.
At the end of a site survey you might be given an initial price quote which evaluates the basic cost of your conversion, and covers aspects like access adaption, waterproofing and flooring. Follow up discussions with the builders will provide some clarification of your specific requirements, for instance increasing the ceiling height of your cellar by the excavation of the existing floor, or the installation of a kitchen or toilet in a separate room.
The final quotation should include all required building regulation, planning application and party wall agreement paperwork relevant to the Christchurch area before any work is able to begin. The final quotation should also give a job-by-job breakdown of the various elements of the conversion to furnish you with an accurate understanding of the costs involved in each phase.
A builder with expertise in Christchurch can provide essential recommendations, including strategies to augment natural light in your cellar conversion through light wells or staircase modifications, thereby creating a brighter, more welcoming area. In addition, this phase includes planning for new electrical installations like additional plug sockets, lighting, or systems for computing and entertainment. The builder's proficiency ensures thorough planning and execution of these details, boosting both the practicality and visual appeal of your conversion. It's crucial that this planning is comprehensive to seamlessly blend modern features while preserving the conversion's original character and style.
If your access to the basement is limited it might have to be modified depending on what you have planned for your cellar conversion. It is pointless to plan for a bar, home gym or games room complete with equipment if you can just about manage to get down a narrow flight of stairs whilst carrying a cup of tea.
Keeping your cellar free from damp and warm is a priority against whatever the Christchurch weather turns out like. In order for this to be readily achieved and guaranteed, you'll need a reputable basement conversion company with the appropriate membership and accreditation of a professional building organisation.
A FMB (Federation of Master Builders) membership and accreditation by your Christchurch contractor demonstrates their dependability in the building industry. If you wish to check up on a conversion company's previous performance you can look to see if it is included in the respected TrustMark scheme. This is a helpful scheme founded by Trading Standards with endorsement from the government.
Fortunately the overwhelming majority of building contractors who carry out basement conversions in Christchurch are trustworthy with highly qualified building and construction workers. A professional company will recognise the concerns of the public, due to a tiny minority of unethical traders, and will try everything in their power to validate their trustworthiness in a friendly and responsible way.
Householders living outside of Christchurch in places like Iford, Hurn, Mudeford, Sopley, Burton, Jumpers Common, Pokesdown, Boscombe, Winkton, Stanpit, Somerford, Purewell, Wick, Highcliffe, Southbourne, Walkford, Tuckton, are also able to take advantage of such basement conversion services. Local Christchurch cellar conversion specialists will probably have the postcode BH23 and the telephone dialling code 01202. Checking this out will make certain that you're accessing local providers of cellar conversion. Christchurch home and business owners can benefit from these and many other building related services. To obtain quotes for cellar conversion, click on the "Quote" banner.
The Importance of Waterproofing
When considering doing a conversion, waterproofing your cellar is by far the most vital aspect of the procedure. Paying out a small fortune on converting your basement or cellar and then finding out that it's still damp and mouldy is not an experience that you'll want to endure in a hurry. This is the main reason why it's essential to employ a highly skilled conversion team in Christchurch to handle the project. There are essentially two techniques for waterproofing a pre-existing underground basement or cellar. The incursion of moisture into the cellar can either be impeded by a cementitious tanking material, employed as a slurry type mixture to form an impermeable surface, or it can be diverted into a drainage channel by installing waterproof membranes, from where it's silently pumped away from the building.
Cellar Conversion Surveys
If you've got a cellar or basement in your home in Christchurch, it can be easily converted into a functional living area. You will need to have a professional survey completed to ensure that your particular cellar/basement is actually suitable for conversion.
Any surveyor who comes to your property must be qualified in underground constructions, and will have spoken with you before arrival concerning the usage you have planned for your cellar. This will enable them to verify just what procedures need to be followed to safely and legally do a conversion on your cellar in line with your requirements.
The structure of floors, ceilings and walls will all be evaluated, taking into account the needs of electricity, ventilation and plumbing. British Standards requirements and building regulations are specific where basement conversions take place, and your surveyor will address each stipulation that is relevant. These are going to include stuff like fire escapes, ceiling height and damp proofing, and if there are any party wall agreements that need to be considered. If you need a cellar conversion survey in Christchurch, there are a number of qualified surveyors in the area who can undertake this for you. (Tags: Basement Conversion Surveys Christchurch, Basement Surveys Christchurch, Cellar Conversion Surveys Christchurch).
Basement Tanking Christchurch
The term basement tanking describes the process of waterproofing basements and cellars to protect against damp and water penetration. The application of a specialised waterproof coating to the floor and walls of the basement is required for this task. This coating ensures the basement stays dry and usable by forming a barrier that prevents moisture from seeping through.
The first step in the basement tanking process generally involves preparing the surfaces to be treated. This process includes cleaning the walls and floors, removing any existing plaster or paint, and repairing any damage or cracks. To achieve comprehensive protection against water penetration, the waterproof coating is applied in multiple layers after preparing the surfaces of the basement.
Implementing basement tanking can greatly boost the value and functionality of a property in Christchurch. A dry, fully waterpoofed basement can be converted into extra living space, such as a gym, an office, a bedroom or a home entertainment centre. Basement tanking helps prevent mould and damp, contributing to a healthier indoor environment and protecting both the building's structural integrity and its occupants' well-being. (Basement Tanking Christchurch)
The Installation of Sump Pumps
Sump pump installation is a vital step in protecting a home from water damage. Sump pumps are machines used to extract water build-ups from cellars or crawl spaces. This is vital since an accumulation of water can bring about structural damage, mould growth, and other related complications. The installation process typically entails digging a hole in the basement or crawl space's lowest point and placing the sump pump within the pit. Afterward, the pump is linked to a discharge pipe that diverts the water from the house. Property owners might prefer to install a battery backup system to ensure the pump's continuous functioning during power cuts or other emergency situations. For efficient water management in the home, it is essential to have a qualified professional install a sump pump to ensure proper placement and setup. The investment in sump pump installation is a worthwhile one that provides property owners with peace of mind in protecting their homes from water damage.
Basement Excavation
Involving the process of digging and expanding the lower levels of a building is basement excavation, with the aim to create a new basement space or extend an existing one. Increasing living or storage areas and adding value to properties, this complex construction technique finds its application. Handling the excavation, skilled professionals ensure structural integrity, proper support systems and waterproofing. The excavation of a basement offers valuable opportunities to convert underutilised spaces into habitable and functional areas, thereby enhancing the property's overall utility and appeal. Careful planning and the strict observance of safety standards are vital elements of a successful basement excavation project. (37425 - Cellar Excavation Christchurch)
Uses For a Cellar Conversion
- Spare Bedroom
- Granny "Annexe" Apartment
- Man Cave
- Kitchen
- Indoor Plunge Pool
- Office
- Games Room
- Gym
- Utility Room
- Children's Playroom
- Pub
More Cellar Conversion Specialist Information
To find out the easiest way build a cellar conversion you could take a look at YouTube video tutorials like this. To search for approved and recommended cellar conversion companies in Christchurch you can head over to Trustmark or the Federation of Master Builders. To see basement refurbishment imagery and related social media advertising, check this out. If you wish to read more details on basements, you will uncover information on the different forms of cellar, basement finishings and culture, the purpose of cellars and basements, drainage issues and design & structural factors, by heading to Wikipedia. To read an interesting article about 30 top basement conversion ideas and inspiration check this out.
Basement Conversion Tasks Christchurch
There are a wide range of tasks that can be completed by your local Christchurch basement conversion specialist including cellar conversion ideas, damp proofing, cellar damp proofing, basement conversion estimates in Christchurch, basement flooding solutions, cellar underpinning, cellar electrics in Christchurch, basement refurbishment in Christchurch, cellar soundproofing, condensation control in Christchurch, wine cellar installation, basement waterproofing, small cellar conversions, cellar rendering, cellar conversion quotations, budget cellar conversion in Christchurch, basement damp proofing in Christchurch, cellar conversion ideas in Christchurch, positive input ventilation, low ceiling basement conversions, cellar tanking, basement flooring, cellar waterproofing, basement conversion design, cementitious tanking, basement remodeling, structural waterproofing, black mould removal, cellar remodeling, basement surveys, and lots more. This is on no account an exhaustive list of what's offered by a builder doing cellar conversion. Christchurch specialists providing these sorts of basement conversion services, will supply you with a full-blown list if you need one. You can always click HERE and fill out our quote form, if you have cellar conversion conversion requirements in Christchurch, that you can't find here.
Cellar Conversion Near Christchurch
Also find: Stanpit cellar conversion, Sopley cellar conversion, Winkton cellar conversion, Walkford cellar conversion, Hurn cellar conversion, Wick cellar conversion, Jumpers Common cellar conversion, Highcliffe cellar conversion, Tuckton cellar conversion, Mudeford cellar conversion, Southbourne cellar conversion, Burton cellar conversion, Somerford cellar conversion, Purewell cellar conversion, Iford cellar conversion, Pokesdown cellar conversion, Boscombe cellar conversion and more. There are companies who specialise in basement conversion near to all these localities. These skilled professionals bring a wealth of expertise and know-how to the table, making them well-equipped to transform your basement into a functional and inviting living space. Whether you envision a snug basement lounge, an additional bedroom or a home office, these specialists can turn your ideas into reality. Local property owners can get cellar conversion quotations by clicking here. Why not start your cellar conversion project right away?
Basement Conversion Services Christchurch
- Basement Conversion
- Cellar Waterproofing
- Basement Remodeling
- Cellar Remodeling
- Basement Damp Proofing
- Cellar Flooring
- Cheap Cellar Conversions
- Basement Refurbishment
- Domestic Cellar Conversions
- Rising Damp Control
- Cellar Refurbishment
- Cellar Conversion
- Cellar Surveys
- Commercial Cellar Conversions
Other Useful Services and Trades in Christchurch: Obviously, whenever you're doing various home improvements and repairs in Christchurch, you will likely be in need of all sorts of different tradesmen and aside from a cellar conversion specialist in Christchurch, you might additionally need a heating engineer in Christchurch, a flooring specialist in Christchurch, a loft conversion specialist in Christchurch, a carpenter in Christchurch, black mould removal in Christchurch, rendering in Christchurch, a house extension in Christchurch, an electrician in Christchurch, basement surveys in Christchurch, woodworm treatment in Christchurch, basement waterproofing in Christchurch, a painter & decorator in Christchurch, a building contractor in Christchurch, and other different Christchurch tradesmen.
For local info relating to Christchurch, Dorset check here
Basement conversions in BH23 area, and dialling code 01202.
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